King Charles speech: What did His Majesty say in his first address to the nation
KING Charles III has addressed the nation in his first speech as reigning monarch.
The King's heartfelt speech follows the sad passing of Britain's beloved Queen Elizabeth II.
What did His Majesty say in his first address to the nation?
In a televised speech broadcast around the world, King Charles III paid a touching tribute to his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II, following her death on Thursday.
The new king opened up about his "personal grief" as he pledged his duty to a life of service.
Sitting next to a photo of the late Queen, the King said: "In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest.
"In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example."
The royal said the “affection, admiration and respect” the Queen inspired “became the hallmark of her reign”.
He added: "And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.”
The new King included best wishes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, sending "my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
King Charles, who has declared a period of Royal Mourning will be observed until seven days after his mother's funeral, will now be formally proclaimed monarch at a historic Accession Council meeting at St James' Palace on September 10, 2022.
Charles automatically became King after Her Majesty's sad passing.
Before King Charles' speech, bells rung out at St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle at noon.
A 96 gun salute followed in London's Hyde Park at 1pm - one round for every year of the Queen's life.
Read more on the queen
Following the death of his beloved mother on September 8, 2022, Charles, who is now known as King Charles III, gave a sombre statement as he led the nation in mourning.
The new King said: “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.
"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
Most read in Royal
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
The King's first speech is now available to watch on the .
All you need to know after Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
THE nation is in mourning after beloved Queen Elizabeth dies aged 96 - here is all you need to know about Her Majesty's glorious life and what's next.
- When is the Queen's funeral?
- What happens now the Queen has died?
- How old was the Queen when she died?
- What is the mourning period for the Queen?
- What is the new line of succession?
- Will there be a bank holiday on the day of the Queen's funeral?
- When can royal fans visit the Queen's coffin?
- Where will the Queen be buried?
- Why is 'London Bridge is down' the secret code?
- What is D-Day?
- Who are the Queen's grandchildren?